Training in broadcasting will teach you a lot, but it likely won't make
you a TV news anchor right away. In fact, many broadcasting graduates work
behind the scenes.
Some programs have a technical focus. They train you to operate
the equipment used in radio and television broadcasting. These are usually
two-year associate's degree programs at community colleges.
Other programs may concentrate more on reporting skills for broadcast
media, although they also provide some technical know-how. These tend
to be three- or four-year degree programs offered by university journalism
schools.
"Radio students learn about radio operations, radio announcing, current
events, commercial production, business writing, commercial copywriting, organizational
behavior, statistics and law," says Brian Antonson. He is the associate
dean of broadcast communications at a technical institute.
"Television focuses on television equipment and procedures, production
planning, visual fundamentals, and things like that."
Other courses may include radio announcing, radio news and broadcast law.
You might also cover topics like computer use in television, video production,
audio editing and video editing.
Broadcasting programs may include an internship or co-op placement.
You'll take several workshop or practical courses.
Patrick Galenza is chair of the radio and television program at a technical
institute. He says that at his school, students' workload in the first semester
is made up of about 80 percent classroom study and 20 percent practical work.
It shifts to 60 percent lecture work and 40 percent practical work in the
second semester. By the time a student reaches the fourth semester, the work
is 100 percent practical, he says.
But students will still need to study for the lecture courses. Jamie Litty
used to teach communication arts at Ashland University in Ohio. She says you'll
need to spend a least an hour studying for every hour spent in class.
Litty says high school students should concentrate on writing, theater
and computer-related courses. To be a journalist, a student should also pay
attention to history, social studies, science and English.
Some extracurricular activities can also be a good foundation for this
field. Taking part in school plays -- either on the stage or behind the scenes
-- can be beneficial.
Students should also look into part-time work or a volunteer position
at a local radio or television station.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Announcers
Broadcast FAQs
Find the answers to questions about the broadcast industry
The Federal Communications Commission
Website of the organization that oversees broadcasting in the
U.S.